Kalka charged with extortion

STACY LANGLEY

Published 8:00 pm, Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Leonard Lee Kalka, 81, was arrested Friday by Huron County Sheriff's deputies near Port Crescent State Park after Kalka had reportedly been dropping off letters at the Huron County District Court. Officials say they threatened Kraus to change a ruling in a civil case against Kalka that required Kalka to pay $750 in fines.

Kalka appeared in Huron County District Court Tuesday, but not before Kraus. Instead, Magistrate Peter B. Capling handled Kalka's arraignment on the felony charge of extortion.

Kalka pleaded not guilty to the charge and was assigned attorney Douglas Lee to represent him in the upcoming preliminary examination set for June 10.

Huron County Prosecutor Mark J. Gaertner said the tone of the threats in Kalka's letters had begun to escalate against Kraus.

Gaertner said Kalka was observed Thursday "surveilling" Kraus' home near Bad Axe. When Kalka then went to Randy's Hunting Center to purchase a gun, Gaertner said he had gone too far.

Tuesday, when Kalka appeared in court, he told Capling the reason he wanted the gun was to shoot raccoons that were in his barn.

Due to the serious nature of the case, Huron County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Stephen J. Allen asked Capling to increase Kalka's bond.

But Capling refused, keeping the bond set at $10,000/10 percent. Capling also set a number of bond conditions as requested by Allen. Kalka may not possess any weapons, and he must turn over any weapons he has to Huron County sheriff's deputies. Kalka is not allowed to come into the Huron County Building unless with his attorney for official business, and he is not allowed in the vicinity of Kraus' home.

If convicted of extortion, Kalka faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. He remains free on bond.

Gaertner said Kalka also has been a focal point of an arson investigation by police after a home next to Kraus's was set on fire. The fire burned the home's garage, causing damage. Police investigating the case believe Kraus's home was the target. The arson case is still under investigation.